Interpretive Handbook
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Test 8582:
Hemosiderin, Urine
Clinical Information 
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
When the plasma hemoglobin level is >50 to 200 mg/dL after hemolysis, the capacity of haptoglobin to bind hemoglobin is exceeded, and hemoglobin readily passes through the glomeruli of the kidney. Part of the hemoglobin is absorbed by the proximal tubular cells where the hemoglobin iron is converted to hemosiderin. When these tubular cells are later shed into the urine, hemosiderinuria results. If all of the hemoglobin cannot be absorbed into the tubular cells, hemoglobinuria results.
Hemosiderin is found as yellow-brown granules that are free or in epithelial cells and occasionally in casts in an acidic or neutral urine.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Detecting hemosiderinuria, secondary to excess hemolysis, as in incompatible blood transfusions, severe acute hemolytic anemia, or hemochromatosis
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
A positive hemosiderin indicates excess red cell destruction.
Hemosiderinuria may still be detected after hemoglobin has cleared from the urine and hemoglobin dipstick is negative.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
No significant cautionary statements
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
Hemosiderin: negative (reported as positive or negative)
Hemoglobin (internal specimens only): negative
RBC (internal specimens only): 0-2 rbc/hpf
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Henry JB: Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 18th edition. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, 1991, pp 412-413
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